Well everyone, it’s that time of year again! Back to school! The time of year when all the commercials for the Olympics include those dreary back to school ads that all elementary, middle school, and high school kids despise.

But, for us college kids, nothing is too dreary about this time of year. Actually, it’s probably the most exciting time because we’re finally going back after a little more than three months of being away from campus. What makes us so pumped about the new fall semester? For CUA students, it’s a whole mix of things.

Check out the top reasons we’re all so excited to get back in a few weeks:

1. The People

Plain and simple, this is the best part about coming back to school. Imagine living with people and seeing them for a full year and then all of sudden not seeing them for three whole months. Yeah. Not fun. The start of the new school year brings new memories with the great friends you’ve already made and time to tell them all about your summer adventures. Oh, and get ready to hear “How was your summer?” for the next month. Don’t lie, you know you’ll do it too.

2. New Living Situations

Whether you’re living off campus this year or in a dorm, this year you’re going to be living in a different place than the previous year. With this brings new opportunities for decorating, new roommates, and new ways to navigate campus to get to your classes. I’ll be praying for all those who have to make the hike to O’Boyle this semester. Oh, wait...I happen to be one of them…

3. Syllabus Week

I don’t really have to say much about this, but what I will say is that this first week of classes is essentially just meant for learning that -- newsflash -- plagiarism is bad, people! Oh, and this week will also give you time to organize your room, drop bank on expensive books at the CUA Barnes and Noble (SOS), and catch up with your friends. Whether that be out and about in the city or at the pryz, this week is a breather before the real lectures begin.

4. The Pryz

Speaking of the Pryz, you might be wondering why I’d include it on the list, but I think the real question is why wouldn’t I? Yes, I know, the Pryz does not have the best food and it’s average at best but c’mon, didn’t you miss it in all of its glory? Just admit it, you did. The Pryz is the place you go to for the majority of your meals and it’s where you see literally everyone. Sure they don’t have the most creative food options, but you know for a fact that you’ve been missing those Pryz fries.

5. The Basilica

This might be a pretty basic thing to say for a CUA student, but oh well. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the most beautiful structure on campus. After being at CUA for two years now, it feels weird to say that I’ve gotten used to this great view, but I’ll never get tired of coming back and seeing it again. Plus, it’s almost been a year since the Pope was there! Hey, Papa Francis, if you’re reading this, we’d love to have you back.

6. Fall Fiesta

Free tee-shirts! Free food! A break from pryz food! What’s not to like?

7. The City

If you don’t live close enough to DC, you’ve probably been missing the city. Even if you do live close, all CUA students agree that DC is a great place to be. Not only is it perfect for us broke college students with all the free museums, but it’s also the perfect place to explore and get a break from school. The metro, on the other hand, is another story.

Whatever you miss most about school, hang in there because before you know it, we’ll be back! But for now, enjoy the rest of your summer!